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'Sugar daddy' poll teaches a different lesson than intended

I never thought I would write the words “Sugar Daddy” in a blog post, but here we go.

Reporters are deluged with unsolicited emails with ideas for stories every day, and we try to sort out what might be interesting to our readers. And when the subject says 28 percent of male bosses have slept with their secretaries, it does beg a little closer read.

A poll by a website called SeekingArrangement.com claims the above findings, and that another 25 percent of male bosses would sleep with their secretaries if given the chance. The website’s founder then goes on about how power can be an aphrodisiac, creating sexual tension in the workplace – and that releasing said tension could either make the workplace more productive or create a “confusing mix of emotions.”

SeekingArrangement bills itself as a site for the “modern Sugar Daddy” and “Sugar Baby,” who have a “mutually beneficial” relationship in which the man provides mentoring and other workplace benefits. The woman, apparently, provides sex. No word on whether both are expected to be single or if adultery also is mutually beneficial.

The sexism of that premise is so obvious it doesn’t merit further comment. The news release itself, however, may say something about the peril of polls, starting with what it doesn’t say.

According to the survey, more than 44,000 men participated. An impressive sample – until you take into account that it doesn’t specify if they were American, Japanese, French, Brazilian or of any other nationality. Since the site advertises itself as having 3 million members worldwide, it could reflect customs in emerging economies with large numbers of workers, where female bosses are few and sexual harassment is something to boast about with friends, not a matter for the human resources department.

Secondly, these are people who have signed up for a website that promotes sexual relationships with one’s subordinates. Of course large numbers of them have slept with their secretaries (or want to). If a website for motorcycle enthusiasts found 28 percent of those surveyed owned one and another 25 percent wanted to buy one, would anyone be surprised? Or make the assumption that 53 percent of the population wanted a motorcycle? Of course they wouldn’t.

Unfortunately, some people count on leaving out or burying those important details in order to draw attention to their product or push a political, religious or social cause. From the sugar pushers, that probably won’t do much harm, other than perhaps giving people who want to cheat with their coworkers a dubious argument to justify their behavior. When spinners on any side use similar tactics on more important policy issues, the consequences could be more serious. So as vulgar as they may be, the Sugar Daddies may have finally taught something valuable – no payback required.